Hope & Truth Ministry
Be hope, be love, live with truth.
For the wondering, the doubting, the hurting, and the hopeful. For people without a congregation, and for people who have found theirs but want another voice on the road. You are welcome here.
From the lectionary
Recent reflections
Sermons and reflections in keeping with the Revised Common Lectionary. New writing arrives most weeks.
September 12, 2026
How Many Times - Matthew 18 - Proper 19A
Drawing on Peter's question of how often we must forgive and Jesus's parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) alongside Psalm 103, Romans 14:1-12, and the reconciliation of Joseph with his brothers (Genesis 50:15-21), this sermon shares that reconciliation and forgiveness are the core of faith rather than an easy exchange of blessings. Tony lifts Jesus's path for confronting wrongs directly and preserving relationship, and argues that forgiving 77 times is finally as much for the self as for others — a letting go of grievance that frees us and leaves judgment to God. Where there is no repentance there is no reconciliation, but in the hurt as much as the blessing, grace opens ways to restore relationship with one another and with God.
August 29, 2026
Be Genuine Love - Romans 12 - Proper 17A
Following Paul's words that "love be genuine" (Romans 12:9-21) alongside Jesus's call to take up the cross (Matthew 16:21-28), this sermon anchors authenticity as the core of love and faith. Memorializing the beautiful, unhidden genuineness of Dolly Parton — in contrast to his own life who once kept a public and a private face, this argues that good intentions never justify bad, impulsive or fearful choices. Fear breeds judgment and cruelty. Genuine love means meeting evil with good actions, good words and "taking up the cross" with our genuine being. Trust that God's steadfast love is meant for you.
August 22, 2026
Who is God - Matthew 16 - Proper 16A
On the last weekend of the Iowa State Fair, this sermon takes Jesus's question at Caesarea Philippi — “who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:13-20) — alongside Romans 12:1-8 and Psalm 138, hearing in Peter's confession a testimony that resists the messiah people fantasize about: the powerful king with a sword. Tony argues that Peter, both the testifier and the later denier, names the Jesus actually present — the one of inclusiveness, nonviolence, love, and forgiveness — and that the church Jesus builds is founded not on one person or tradition but on a community that hears, debates, and embodies God's love. Drawing on Paul's gifts that “differ according to the grace given to us,” the sermon invites each of us to offer our own testimony of who God is and to embody that love as teacher, encourager, giver, and the compassionate.